And Pep Guardiola made it plain that if the Ivorian can keep playing at that level he has a chance of being added to his Champions League squad in January, if City progress.

A draw at Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday should book their place in the last 16, but Toure will stay at home after being axed from the 25-man squad in September.

But in an interview with Al Jazeera recorded before his triumphant Palace return, Toure was positive about his future with the Blues – and made an intriguing promise which is being seen as him eyeing up the Champions league trophy.

“I'm happy with the club, I'm happy with the city and I want to carry on - for what the chairman, for what the club, and for what the fans have been doing for me, singing my name,” said Toure, whose current deal expires next summer.

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“I don't want to retire before I have given them something back. I know what I want to give them back – and I don't want to share it with you guys! I want to keep it to myself,” said a player already instrumental in two league titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups.

Toure also poured cold water on the idea that he left Guardiola's Barcelona under a cloud.

He said: “My last season was quite difficult because there was a young player coming through, and it was difficult at that time.

“I had a big chat with Guardiola. Guardiola was very honest. He said to me 'Yaya I want you to stay, honestly'.